Line Cook Salary in Jersey City, NJ
Line Cooks in Jersey City, NJ, in 2026, earn approximately $19.24 per hour, which translates to about $769.60 per week, $3,334.93 per month, and $40,019.20 per year.
The demand for Line Cooks in Jersey City is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the local culinary industry.
How Much Does a Line Cook Make in Jersey City, NJ?
The salary of a Line Cook in Jersey City can vary depending on experience and employer. Below is a general overview of earnings based on experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $16.17 | $646.80 | $2,797.60 | $33,561.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.24 | $769.60 | $3,334.93 | $40,019.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $22.91 | $916.40 | $3,954.53 | $47,552.80 |
Do Line Cooks in Jersey City Earn Tips?
Line Cooks generally do not earn tips as they work behind the scenes preparing food rather than interacting directly with customers. Their compensation primarily comes from their hourly wage or salary.
Line Cook Salary in Jersey City vs. National Average
Nationally, Line Cooks earn an average of around $18 per hour, which is approximately $37,440 per year.
Compared to the national average, Line Cooks in Jersey City earn a higher wage at about $19.24 per hour or $40,019.20 annually. This regional premium reflects the local cost of living and demand for culinary professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Jersey City for Line Cooks
Nearby locations offer slightly different salaries for Line Cooks:
- South Amboy: $20.43 per hour
- Asbury Park: $20.24 per hour
Those commuting to South Amboy might experience slightly higher pay than in Asbury Park, but both areas offer competitive wages compared to Jersey City.
What Influences a Line Cook’s Salary in Jersey City?
The salary of a Line Cook in Jersey City can be influenced by several factors:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Line Cooks with culinary training or specialized skills tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants or high-end hotels may offer better pay compared to casual or fast food kitchens.
- Shift and Work Hours: Evening or weekend shifts could include shift differentials that increase earnings.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary certifications or food safety training may boost salary potential.
- Reputation and Size of Employer: Larger hospitality groups or well-known restaurants often pay higher wages.
How To Become a Line Cook in Jersey City
To start a career as a Line Cook in Jersey City, follow these steps:
- Gain Culinary Education: Programs like the Hudson County Community College Culinary Arts Certificate offer hands-on training and externships to build foundational skills.
- Consider Online Culinary Degrees: Courses such as the Escoffier Online Culinary Degree provide accredited culinary education with flexible scheduling.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Credentials like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification are commonly required by employers to ensure food safety knowledge.
- Earn Culinary Certifications: The Certified Culinarian (CC) certification by the American Culinary Federation validates core culinary skills and can improve career prospects.
- Acquire Practical Experience: Many Line Cooks start by working in kitchens and learning on the job to develop their skills over time.
Top Employers Hiring Line Cooks in Jersey City
Leading employers currently hiring Line Cooks in Jersey City include:
- Hyatt
- Catholic Charities
- FLIK Hospitality Group
Establishments That Line Cooks in Jersey City Work At
Line Cooks often find work in a variety of settings such as:
- Casual Restaurants: These offer steady work but generally moderate pay.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Fast-paced environments with moderate wages and opportunity for advancement.
- Fine Dining Restaurants and Hotels: Typically provide higher wages and the chance to develop specialized culinary skills.
- Catering Companies and Event Venues: May offer variable hours but competitive pay depending on the scale of events.
The type of establishment greatly affects the salary, with fine dining and upscale hotels generally providing the highest earnings potential for Line Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Jersey City for Line Cooks
If you are interested in careers related to being a Line Cook, here are a few similar roles:
These include Fry Cook, Prep Cook, and Commis Chef roles, all requiring culinary skills and often offering various career advancement possibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Line Cooks in Jersey City
It is important for Line Cooks to be informed about labor laws and taxation policies that affect their employment.
- For comprehensive information on federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
- To understand employment regulations specific to New Jersey, check the New Jersey Department of Labor.